Chandimal’s late surge and disciplined bowling propelled Quetta to PSL X final

Dinesh Chandimal’s unbeaten blitz and Quetta Gladiators’ ruthless bowling attack carved a triumphant path to the Pakistan Super League final, after they overwhelmed Islamabad United by 30 runs in the first playoff at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.

The Gladiators, opting to bat first, posted an imposing 209 for 6. An explosive knock of 49 runs off 29 balls from Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper-batter and experienced campaigner Dinesh Chandimal bolstered the innings. He stood resilient at the crease while his teammates waged a fierce battle with Islamabad’s bowling line-up.

From Lahore’s franchise and serving as all-rounder, Faheem Ashraf blazed his way to 45 off 23 deliveries. He returned to the pavilion in the penultimate delivery after savaging United’s bowlers with precision. Earlier, New Zealand’s Finn Allen laid the foundation with a powerful 41 off 27 balls, punishing United’s attack with seven boundaries.

In the powerplay, the Gladiators gathered 70 runs despite the losses of captain Saud Shakeel (12), Rilee Rossouw (16), and Hasan Nawaz (6). Allen had smothered United’s bowlers in the opening phase, collecting six boundaries. Following his departure, the Gladiators lost two quick wickets but found momentum once again through Avishka Fernando’s 32 off 21, before he fell to United skipper Shadab Khan.

Chandimal and Faheem Ashraf, aiming to rescue their side from faltering, stabilised and uplifted the innings.

United’s bowlers responded with moderate success. From Islamabad’s side, Ben Dwarshuis (2 for 31) and Salman Irshad (2 for 34) claimed two wickets apiece. Shadab Khan (1 for 19) and Imad Wasim (1 for 36) took one wicket each. James Neesham (0 for 36) and Naseem Shah (0 for 50) remained wicketless.

In response, Islamabad United were dismissed for 179 runs with two balls remaining in their innings. Quetta’s bowlers dismantled the United batting order, sparing no room for a comeback. Usman Tariq, representing Quetta, starred with 3 wickets for 32 runs. Mohammad Amir (2 for 31), Faheem Ashraf (2 for 33), and Mohammad Wasim (2 for 38) shared two wickets each, while Abrar Ahmed picked up one for 27. Shakeel (0 for 14) remained without success.

Despite the fightback from a few batters — Sahibzada Farhan with 52, Salman Ali Agha with 44, and Rassie van der Dussen with 35 — United failed to mount a chase. Skipper Shadab Khan was sent back after an acrobatic catch by Shakeel off Abrar Ahmed’s delivery.

From the same team, Faheem Ashraf deceived James Neesham on 1 off 3 balls and then removed Alex Hales in his first over, rattling United’s top order early in the chase.

Quetta’s cohesive bowling strategy and strategic field placements denied United any chance of revival, thus securing a memorable victory and a spot in the grand final of PSL X.

Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings had been set to clash at the same venue on Thursday, 22 May, in Eliminator 1.